Shoulder bag with improved access

ABSTRACT

A camera storage and transport case is provided that allows for ease of access to housed devices. A case is provided in a shoulder bag configuration with a main closure member provided at an angle offset from horizontal and with a wire or support member to allow ease of access to internal storage volumes with case.

This U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/749,766, filed Jan. 7, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to camera cases and the storage of sensitive electronic devices. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is a shoulder bag that includes improved access features for accessing a main storage volume of the bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Camera cases are commonly used to transport and store cameras. It is often necessary or desirable, however, to allow the user to gain access quickly to the stored camera and to provide additional storage space for camera accessories or other equipment.

Typically, photographers carry multiple camera accessories along with the camera. If the camera case is not sized to accommodate these accessories, they must be independently carried. However, if the camera and accessories are carried together, the carrying bag may become oversized and bulky, which makes the bag difficult to carry. Thus, it is important to provide a camera case that is lightweight and designed to carry the camera and multiple accessories in a rugged and compact space.

Although camera cases are generally known, they have conventionally been designed as utility bags that provide limited access to the interior. Typically, camera cases include a top or side opening for accessing the interior storage compartment. However, these camera cases do not ensure that the camera does not inadvertently move when the bag is opened which may cause potential damage to the delicate electronic componentry. Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a camera case that would maintain the camera in a fixed position within the case.

Moreover, typical camera cases are not efficiently designed to allow the removal and replacement of the stored camera. For example, a conventional utility bag shape that includes short handles or a shoulder strap limits the photographers ability to access the camera with one hand. That is, to access items stored in conventional camera cases, one must remove the case from their person, set the case down, and then gain access to the stored contents. Thus the photographer cannot quickly access the stored camera and associated accessories. It would be desirable to provide a camera case that allows easy access to the stored camera. Additionally, it would be beneficial to provide a camera case which also positions the camera so that it is easy to selectively remove and replace.

In addition, conventional camera cases require the photographer to use one or both hands to carry the camera case. This is undesirable if the photographer is also trying to carry other items or maneuver around objects. Thus it would be advantageous to provide a camera case capable of unobtrusively containing a camera and providing for hands-free carrying.

Furthermore, conventional camera cases have fixed compartments for accessories. Fixed compartments typically do not give a photographer much storage flexibility. For example, some compartments of traditional storage cases are sized for batteries, cords, and flashes but not for lenses. Some camera cases have attempted to provide adjustable compartments; however, such compartments are typically difficult to adjust, do not stay in place, or are not sized to accommodate accessories such as lenses. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a camera case that facilitates the storage of various camera accessories with multiple sizes and geometric shapes.

Cameras and other photographic equipment can be large, heavy and fragile and it is frequently necessary to provide a carrying case to protect them when they are carried. Cameras and their accessories are often carried in and out of cars, vans, buses, trains, airplanes, etc. and often to remote locations. Thus, it is important to have a camera case that adequately protects the contents stored. Moreover, it important to adequately protect the equipment because repairs can be very expensive. Damage to camera equipment while in a storage case is typically caused by the equipment not remaining in a fixed or semi-fixed position while the case is being moved or dropped. Typical camera cases are made from nylon, polyester, aluminum, or some combination thereof. Unfortunately, these materials are usually too rigid or not rigid enough to provide adequate protective storage. Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a camera case containing a molded, rigid support for a camera to maintain the camera in a relatively fixed position.

Additionally, there is an unmet need to provide improved accessibility to shoulder and messenger-style bags, particularly when it is desirable to access bag contents without removing the bag from the user.

There is a long felt but unsolved need for a camera case that avoids the above-mentioned deficiencies of the prior art and provides a camera storage area with a molded support for a camera, positions the stored camera for easy removal, and further provide ease of access to storage areas of the bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is thus one aspect of the present invention to provide a camera storage area with a molded, rigid support for a single-lens reflex (“SLR”) camera. Preferably, the molded support is made of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam that possesses the general shape of SLR cameras. Thus it is contemplated that the EVA “cradle” will accommodate many brands of SLR cameras. One embodiment of the present invention additionally provides a cradle having a compliant material that conforms to a stored camera and that additionally provides shock protection.

It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage case that selectively accommodates a plurality of lenses. More specifically, lens holders are included and selectively positioned within the case. The lens holders may be triangularly shaped so as to provide gaps that allow easy access to the stored lenses. The lens holders of embodiments of the present invention include hook and loop material and thus may be affixed to various locations in the interior portion of the camera case. The lens holders are preferably flexible and are designed to accommodate lenses of varying diameters in lengths.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a plurality of dividing walls within the storage case. One embodiment of the present invention employs a horizontally situated wall having a hole therethrough that receives the above-described tube extending from the cradle, and which provides additional lateral stability to the tube. A plurality of selectively adjustable walls which are vertically-oriented, horizontally-oriented, or a combination thereof are provided that allow the user to selectively allow the storage configuration of the camera case.

It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a camera carrying case with improved access features. For example, in one embodiment, a bag is provided with an angled access feature or opening. Resilient members are provided to position access features in desired positions.

The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the Detail Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these inventions.

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a carrying case according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a carrying case according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a carrying case according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a right elevation view of a carrying case according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a right elevation view of a carrying case according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of a component of a carrying case according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a front perspective view of a component of a carrying case according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a right elevation view of a carrying case according to one embodiment of the present invention;

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. It will further be understood that various annotations on the drawings are provided for additional illustration of certain embodiments, and are not to be read as limiting the invention to any particular arrangement or combination of features, materials, dimensions, etc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, a carrying case 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided. As shown, the case 2 is generally provided in the form a shoulder or messenger bag. It will be expressly recognized, however, that the present invention and various novel features thereof are not limited to the depicted embodiment. Indeed, various bags such as duffle bags, backpacks, messenger bags, and the like are contemplated as within the scope and spirit of the present invention. As shown, the case 2 comprises a shoulder strap 8, a zipper closure 4 for a main compartment, side panels 6 a, 6 b, a front flap 10, and at least one additional pocket 12, 14. The case 2 generally provides the appearance and functionality of a shoulder bag, but comprises various advantages over known shoulder bags as shown and described herein. In various embodiments, side panels 6 a, 6 b provide side pocket features for ease of storage of, for example, water bottles, as well as attachment means for a strap 8. In alternative embodiment, the shoulder strap 8 is secured to a side panel of the bag rather than the pockets or panels 6 a, 6 b.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a case 2 according to one embodiment wherein a main opening portion 4, which may comprise a zipper, is opened to allow for access 28 to an interior storage volume of the case 2. As shown and described herein, the opening portion is provided with support features to provide for a specific opening area and access feature 28. These features of the case 2 are particularly desirable, for example, when access to the interior storage volume is desired while the case 2 is provided on or worn by a user.

FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of the present invention wherein a case 2 comprises a plurality of internal storage volumes 30, 32, 34. The primary opening portion 4 is provided for accessing at least one internal storage volume, and may provide access to a plurality of internal storage volumes, particularly where an insert (see FIG. 6A, for example).

Referring now to FIGS. 4-5, a case 2 according to one embodiment is provided in an open position. As shown, a closure 4 of the main compartment is provided in an open position to reveal a main access 28 through which a primary volume of the case 2 is accessible. The primary volume may contain an insert and/or any associated devices, such as camera equipment. Alternatively, the primary volume is provided without the insert 16 and is available for receiving, storing, and transporting any number of devices including, but not limited to, sensitive electronic devices. As shown in FIGS. 4-5, closure portion 4 is provided at an angle such that, at least when opened, the main access 28 comprises an opening area angled toward a user/wearer. A pair of support members 29, 33 are provided proximal the closure portion 4 to provide a desired shape to the opening when the opening 28 when the closure 4 is provided in an open position.

In various embodiments, at least one wire element is provided around substantially the entire circumference of the main access opening 28. The at least one wire element may be stitched into the case material for aesthetic purposes, aids in maintaining the shape and angled orientation of the main access 28 in both open and closed positions.

In certain embodiments, the closure 4 comprises a zipper with a terminus provided with a tab 31, the tab 31 being hidden with a pocket or between layers of case material in various embodiments. In such embodiments, the tab 31 contains the at least one wire member so as to permit easy opening and closure of the case 2.

In the depicted embodiment, a front panel 36 is taller than an opposing back portion 38 to enable the angled relationship of the main opening/access 28. Such an angled relationship allows for ease of access to case contents when the case 2 is worn/held by a user. In various embodiments, the overall shape and structure of the case 2 is provided in part by an insert 16, the insert comprising side walls with rigidity. In addition to or in lieu of such features, the panels of the case 2 comprise at least partially rigid inserts, such as panels comprising polyethylene inserts provided between layers of the panel(s).

As shown in FIG. 5, the support members 29, 33 are provided in substantially the same plane, which is offset from a horizontal plane (with respect to FIG. 5) such that the opening area 28 is biased or angled toward a user or wearer of the item 2 and thereby facilitating access to internal areas of the bag. In one embodiment, a first support member 29 is provided proximal a rear portion 38 of the case and is further provided in a non-hinged or substantially fixed position. The second support member 33 is provided on an opposing side of the primary closure 4 and is rotatable to a position wherein the first and second support members are provided substantially coplanar when the opening area 28 is in a fully opened position. In at least one embodiment, the second support member 33 is rotatable between a closed position wherein the second support member is provided at a first angle between approximately 25 and 50 degrees from a vertical plane and an open position wherein the second support member is provided at a second angle, the second angle being between approximately 90 and 180 degrees from the first angle.

In certain embodiments, the wire or support members 29, 33 comprise opposing C-shaped (or [-shaped) support members, wherein the support members 29, 33 are provided substantially parallel to one another in a closed position and substantially coplanar in an open position. In preferred embodiments, the open position comprises an opening or access area 28 that is angled toward a user, wearer, and/or back panel 38 of the bag 2, and the opening or access area 28 comprises a substantially rectangular opening area.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of an insert 16 suitable for use with various cases of the present invention, including the case 2 provided in FIGS. 1-2. The insert 16 comprises a substantially rectangular cube defining an internal volume. One or more straps 20 are provided to facilitate removal of the device 16 from the case and/or carry the insert 16 by itself. Built-in divider walls 24 may be provided in any number of sizes and arrangements. Additionally, at least one removable divider 18 is provided, the removable divider 18 comprising a strap or tab 20 for removal and manipulation of the divider 18. In various embodiments, the divider 18 comprises securing means 22 for selectively positioning the divider within the insert 16. Securing means 22 include, but are not limited to, tabs or extensions provided with hook and loop closures for selective attachment and removal of the divider 18 within the insert 16. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the insert 16 is provided with receiving means 26, the receiving means 26 comprising hook and loop features that extend along at least one internal surface of the insert 16 for selective connection with the securing means 22. It will be expressly recognized that the present invention is not limited to embodiments comprising the insert 16. Although such a feature is contemplated for provision with various cases of the present invention, cases of the present invention need not comprise such feature(s).

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a case 2. As shown the case 2 comprises a main closure 4 enclosing a main access of the case 2. The circumference or periphery of the main access comprises at least one and preferably two concealed support members 29, 33 wherein the wire support members comprises a shape memory between at least a first closed and second open position, the first closed position shown in FIG. 7 wherein the support members 29, 33 are substantially parallel to one another. The support members 29, 33 terminate proximal the terminus of the opening portion 4, and a gap or void is provided between the first wire member 29 and the second wire member 33 in both open and closed positions. A vertical axis 40 is provided for illustration purposes. As shown, then the main closure 4 is provided in the closed position, the closed zipper and main access 28 are provided at an angle a with respect to vertical 40. In various embodiments, the angle a comprises an angle between approximately 20 and 60 degrees off of vertical 40. In preferred embodiments, the angle a comprises an angle between approximately 30 and 45 degrees off of vertical 40. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A carrying case adapted for storing camera equipment and accessory items, comprising: an internal storage volume defined by a top, a bottom, a front, a rear and first and second side walls of the case; a primary opening area comprising a closure for permitting access to the internal storage volume, the closure comprising a first portion extending at least partially along the first side wall, a second portion extending at least partially along the second side wall, and a third portion extending along at least one of the top and rear wall, wherein the first portion and the second portion are connected by the third portion; a first support member provided substantially parallel to the closure; a second support member provided substantially parallel to the closure, the second support member provided on an opposing side of the closure as the first wire member; and the primary opening area positionable between at least a closed position and an open position, the closed position characterized in that at least the first and second portions of the closure are angled toward the rear wall at an angle of between approximately 30 and 60 degrees with respect to the rear wall of the case, and the open position characterized in that the first support member and second support member reside in substantially the same plane.
 2. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the closure comprises a zipper.
 3. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein said support members comprise resilient wire members for retaining a portion of the bag in a desired position.
 4. The carrying case of claim 2, wherein at least one of said support members is deformable to provide a plurality of different shaped openings.
 5. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the third portion of the closure extends along the top wall of the case.
 6. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the first support member is provided in a substantially fixed position and the second support member is rotatable with respect thereto.
 7. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the first support member and the second support member comprise opposing C-shaped wire members.
 8. A carrying case adapted for storing electronic equipment and accessory items, comprising: a top, a bottom, a front, a rear and first and second side portions; a primary opening area comprising a closure for permitting access to an internal storage volume, the closure comprising an elongate opening portion along the top and/or rear portion of the case, and the closure further extending at least partially along the first and/or second side portion; a first wire member provided substantially parallel to the closure; a second wire member provided substantially parallel to the closure, the second wire member provided on an opposing side of the closure as the first wire member; and the primary opening area positionable between at least a closed position and an open position, the closed position characterized in that at least the first and second portions of the closure are angled toward the rear wall at an angle of between approximately 30 and 60 degrees with respect to the rear wall of the case, and the open position characterized in that the first wire member and second wire member reside in substantially the same plane and form a substantially rectangular opening area for accessing the internal storage volume.
 9. The carrying case of claim 8, wherein the closure comprises a zipper.
 10. The carrying case of claim 8, wherein said wire members comprise resilient wire members for retaining a portion of the bag in a desired position.
 11. The carrying case of claim 10, wherein at least one of said wire members is deformable to provide a plurality of different shaped openings.
 12. The carrying case of claim 8, wherein the first wire member is provided in a substantially fixed position and the second wire member is rotatable with respect thereto.
 13. The carrying case of claim 8, wherein the first wire member and the second wire member comprise C-shaped wire members.
 14. A shoulder bag type carrying case, comprising: a top, a bottom, a front, a rear and first and second side portions; a primary opening area comprising a closure for permitting access to an internal storage volume, the closure comprising an elongate opening portion along the top portion of the case, and the closure further extending at least partially along the first and second side portions; a first support member and a second support member provided substantially parallel to the closure and on opposing sides thereof; and the primary opening area positionable between at least a closed position and an open position, the closed position characterized in that the first support member and second support member are provided substantially parallel to each other and angled toward the rear wall at an angle of between approximately 30 and 60 degrees with respect to a vertical axis, and the open position characterized in that the first support member is rotated such that the first support member and second support member reside in substantially the same plane and permit access to the internal storage volume.
 15. The carrying case of claim 14, wherein the closure comprises a zipper.
 16. The carrying case of claim 14, wherein said support members comprise resilient wire members for retaining a portion of the bag in a desired position.
 17. The carrying case of claim 14, wherein at least one of said support members is deformable to selectively provide a plurality of different shaped openings.
 18. The carrying case of claim 14, wherein the first support member is provided in a substantially fixed position and the second support member is rotatable with respect thereto.
 19. The carrying case of claim 14, wherein the first support member and the second support member comprise C-shaped wire members.
 20. The carrying case of claim 14, wherein at least one of the support members comprise at least one of a metal, plastic, rubber, wood, and combination thereof. 